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Overview

Incidents of racial profiling in the 1990s brought a wave of legislation authorizing the collection of race-based statistics to counter real and perceived bias among law enforcement officials. But in California, activists who spearheaded an initiative to end affirmative action at state universities want to now ban collection of race statistics. They say their new initiative on race is another step toward creating a truly “color-blind society.” Opponents argue it is a step back to a time when this nation ignored race discrimination. Do these measures smooth the transition to an integrated society or sweep the problems under the rug?

Guests

Ward Connerly, author of the autobiography, Creating Equal: My Fight Against Race Preferences, is founder and chairman of the American Civil Rights Institute, a national, not-for-profit organization aimed at educating the public about the need to move beyond racial and gender preferences. Mr. Connerly has gained national attention and respect as an outspoken advocate of equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, sex, or ethnic background.

Eva Jefferson Paterson is the Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Her practice includes providing free legal services to low-income individuals and litigating class action cases. Recipient of numerous and honors, Ms Patterson is also the author of several pieces including Can't We Get Along? and The Future of Affirmative Action.

Closing Quote

"In the long run, a people is known, not by its statements or statistics, but by the stories it tells."